Fish are more than just animals we see in water. People have watched them for a long time and started using them in everyday language. These special phrases, called idioms, help describe feelings, actions, or situations. Idioms about fish often come from fishing, the sea, or how fish behave.
You might hear someone say, “She’s a big fish in a small pond,” or “There are plenty of fish in the sea.” These expressions don’t really talk about fish, but about people and life. In this article, we’ll explore many idioms that use fish to explain different ideas. You’ll learn what each one means and how to use them in real life. Let’s dive into these fun and useful phrases.
Idioms About Fish
1. Big Fish
Meaning: An important or powerful person
Example Sentences:
- “He’s a big fish in our town’s business group.”
- “The big fish always get the best seats.”
Other ways to say: Top dog, important figure
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of large fish being dominant in a pond
Usage: Used when talking about someone important in a group
2. Fish Out of Water
Meaning: Someone who feels out of place
Example Sentences:
- “She was a fish out of water at her new school.”
- “He looked like a fish out of water during the ballet class.”
Other ways to say: Out of place, uncomfortable
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish need water to live, so out of water they struggle
Usage: Describes feeling awkward or out of place
3. Packed Like Sardines
Meaning: In a very crowded space
Example Sentences:
- “We were packed like sardines on the school bus.”
- “Everyone was packed like sardines at the concert.”
Other ways to say: Cramped, squished together
Fun Fact/Origin: Sardines are small fish often tightly packed in cans
Usage: Used when people are in a tight space
4. Something Smells Fishy
Meaning: Something seems suspicious
Example Sentences:
- “That deal smells fishy to me.”
- “There’s something fishy about his story.”
Other ways to say: Suspicious, odd
Fun Fact/Origin: Spoiled fish have a bad smell, often used to show something isn’t right
Usage: Used when things seem strange or dishonest
5. Cold Fish
Meaning: A person who is not friendly or warm
Example Sentences:
- “She didn’t smile at all. What a cold fish!”
- “He’s kind of a cold fish at parties.”
Other ways to say: Unfriendly, distant
Fun Fact/Origin: Cold fish don’t show much movement or warmth
Usage: Describes someone who isn’t emotional or kind
6. Fish for Compliments
Meaning: To try to get people to say nice things about you
Example Sentences:
- “She’s always fishing for compliments about her dress.”
- “Don’t fish for compliments; you look great!”
Other ways to say: Seek praise, brag subtly
Fun Fact/Origin: Like trying to catch fish, you’re trying to catch praise
Usage: Used when someone wants to be praised
7. A Different Kettle of Fish
Meaning: A completely different situation
Example Sentences:
- “Camping is one thing, but living in a tent is a different kettle of fish.”
- “Math and art are two different kettles of fish.”
Other ways to say: A different matter, unrelated topic
Fun Fact/Origin: Kettles used to cook fish; each pot can be different
Usage: Used when things are not the same
8. Drink Like a Fish
Meaning: To drink a lot (usually alcohol)
Example Sentences:
- “He drank like a fish at the party.”
- “People say he drinks like a fish on weekends.”
Other ways to say: Overdrink, party hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish are always in water, so people compare this to drinking often
Usage: Used to describe heavy drinkers (adults)
9. Fishy
Meaning: Suspicious or not quite right
Example Sentences:
- “The whole situation seems fishy.”
- “That answer sounds fishy to me.”
Other ways to say: Doubtful, sketchy
Fun Fact/Origin: Relates to the smell of old fish being unpleasant
Usage: When something doesn’t seem right
10. Like a Fish to Water
Meaning: Doing something naturally and easily
Example Sentences:
- “He took to basketball like a fish to water.”
- “She dances like a fish to water.”
Other ways to say: Natural talent, born to do it
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish are born in water, so they move easily
Usage: Describes quick learning or comfort
11. Big Fish in a Small Pond
Meaning: Someone important in a small group
Example Sentences:
- “He was a big fish in his hometown but unknown in the city.”
- “Being a big fish in a small pond can feel nice.”
Other ways to say: Local leader, small-area star
Fun Fact/Origin: A big fish stands out in a small area
Usage: Used to describe someone powerful in a limited space
12. Fish or Cut Bait
Meaning: Decide what to do or step aside
Example Sentences:
- “It’s time to fish or cut bait—you need to choose.”
- “We can’t wait forever. Fish or cut bait.”
Other ways to say: Make a choice, take action
Fun Fact/Origin: Fishing term—either fish or get out of the way
Usage: Used when someone must make a decision
13. Neither Fish nor Fowl
Meaning: Not clearly one thing or the other
Example Sentences:
- “This movie is neither fish nor fowl—it’s not funny or serious.”
- “His style is neither fish nor fowl.”
Other ways to say: Hard to define, unclear
Fun Fact/Origin: Fowl are birds, fish are water animals—this is neither
Usage: Used when something doesn’t fit any group
14. Fish Around
Meaning: Search for something
Example Sentences:
- “She fished around in her bag for her keys.”
- “He fished around for the right word to say.”
Other ways to say: Search, dig around
Fun Fact/Origin: Like trying to catch a fish without seeing it
Usage: Describes trying to find something without being direct
15. Catfish
Meaning: Pretending to be someone else online
Example Sentences:
- “He got catfished by someone using fake photos.”
- “Be careful, that might be a catfish.”
Other ways to say: Online faker, impersonator
Fun Fact/Origin: From a fish that stirs things up, like people online with fake profiles
Usage: Used about fake online identities
16. Catch of the Day
Meaning: Fresh seafood; also used for something exciting or good
Example Sentences:
- “The catch of the day is grilled salmon.”
- “He called his new toy the catch of the day.”
Other ways to say: Special item, fresh choice
Fun Fact/Origin: From restaurants listing daily fresh fish
Usage: Describes new and special things
17. Hook, Line, and Sinker
Meaning: Believe something completely
Example Sentences:
- “He believed her story hook, line, and sinker.”
- “They fell for the trick hook, line, and sinker.”
Other ways to say: Totally believe, fall for it
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to being fully caught in fishing
Usage: Used when someone is tricked completely
18. Slippery as an Eel
Meaning: Hard to catch or understand
Example Sentences:
- “That thief is as slippery as an eel.”
- “He’s slippery as an eel when answering questions.”
Other ways to say: Sneaky, tricky
Fun Fact/Origin: Eels are smooth and hard to hold
Usage: Used for someone clever and hard to deal with
19. Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel
Meaning: Very easy
Example Sentences:
- “That video game was like shooting fish in a barrel.”
- “Solving that puzzle was like shooting fish in a barrel.”
Other ways to say: Super easy, no challenge
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish in a barrel can’t move much—easy targets
Usage: Describes very easy tasks
20. Fish-Eyed
Meaning: Giving a cold or unfriendly stare
Example Sentences:
- “He gave me a fish-eyed look.”
- “The teacher gave her a fish-eyed stare.”
Other ways to say: Blank look, glare
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish eyes don’t blink or change expression
Usage: Describes a cold or emotionless stare
21. Like a Fish on a Hook
Meaning: Trapped or caught in a difficult spot
Example Sentences:
- “He was like a fish on a hook during the interview.”
- “She felt stuck, like a fish on a hook.”
Other ways to say: Trapped, stuck
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how fish get caught on hooks
Usage: Describes someone in a tough or tricky situation
22. Fish Tale
Meaning: A story that’s not fully true or is exaggerated
Example Sentences:
- “That sounds like a fish tale to me.”
- “He told a big fish tale about the one that got away.”
Other ways to say: Tall tale, exaggeration
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from fishermen exaggerating their catch size
Usage: Used for stories that sound made up
23. Throwback
Meaning: Something rejected or sent back
Example Sentences:
- “The fish was too small, so we threw it back.”
- “He’s not serious—throw him back!”
Other ways to say: Return, reject
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from throwing small fish back into water
Usage: Describes rejecting something or someone
24. Fish-Eyed Fool
Meaning: A silly person with a blank expression
Example Sentences:
- “Don’t act like a fish-eyed fool!”
- “He stood there like a fish-eyed fool.”
Other ways to say: Fool, silly person
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to blank stares from fish
Usage: A humorous or teasing insult
25. Carp About
Meaning: To complain a lot
Example Sentences:
- “Stop carping about the food.”
- “She carps about everything at work.”
Other ways to say: Complain, nag
Fun Fact/Origin: Carp is a fish, but “carp” also means to complain
Usage: Used when someone keeps whining or complaining
26. Plenty of Fish in the Sea
Meaning: There are many other options (usually in dating)
Example Sentences:
- “Don’t worry, there are plenty of fish in the sea.”
- “She said there were plenty of fish in the sea after her breakup.”
Other ways to say: Many choices, more options
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on how many fish live in the ocean
Usage: Used to comfort someone who lost an opportunity or relationship
27. Swim with the Sharks
Meaning: Compete or deal with powerful people
Example Sentences:
- “In business, you have to swim with the sharks.”
- “He’s swimming with the sharks in that new job.”
Other ways to say: Face tough competition
Fun Fact/Origin: Sharks are top predators in the sea
Usage: Describes being in a risky or high-level group
28. Minnow Among Sharks
Meaning: A weak or small person among the powerful
Example Sentences:
- “In that room, he was a minnow among sharks.”
- “She felt like a minnow among sharks at the debate.”
Other ways to say: Small fish, underdog
Fun Fact/Origin: Minnows are tiny fish compared to sharks
Usage: Used to describe someone who seems weak in a strong group
29. Flounder Around
Meaning: To struggle or move without a plan
Example Sentences:
- “He floundered around during the presentation.”
- “She floundered in the kitchen with the new recipe.”
Other ways to say: Struggle, mess up
Fun Fact/Origin: A flounder is a fish that flops around when caught
Usage: Describes clumsy or unsure actions
30. Fish Market
Meaning: A loud or messy place
Example Sentences:
- “This classroom is like a fish market!”
- “It sounded like a fish market in the hallway.”
Other ways to say: Noisy place, chaos
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish markets are busy and loud places
Usage: Used to describe loud or messy scenes
31. Cast a Wide Net
Meaning: Try many options to get results
Example Sentences:
- “We need to cast a wide net to find the best players.”
- “He cast a wide net looking for college scholarships.”
Other ways to say: Try many things, explore broadly
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from fishing with large nets to catch more fish
Usage: Describes trying many different choices
32. Bait the Hook
Meaning: Get someone interested or ready to respond
Example Sentences:
- “He baited the hook by giving her a compliment.”
- “The ad baited the hook with a free gift.”
Other ways to say: Tease, attract
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to putting bait on a hook to catch a fish
Usage: Used when trying to attract interest
33. Swim Against the Current
Meaning: Go against what others are doing
Example Sentences:
- “He always swims against the current with his ideas.”
- “She swam against the current by choosing a new path.”
Other ways to say: Go against the grain, be different
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish usually follow the current, but some swim against it
Usage: Describes being different from the group
34. Land a Big Fish
Meaning: Get something really valuable or important
Example Sentences:
- “They landed a big fish with that new client.”
- “He landed a big fish by getting the job.”
Other ways to say: Score big, win big
Fun Fact/Origin: Landing a large fish is a great catch in fishing
Usage: Describes a major success
35. Wet Behind the Ears
Meaning: New and inexperienced
Example Sentences:
- “He’s still wet behind the ears in this job.”
- “She’s smart but wet behind the ears.”
Other ways to say: Newbie, beginner
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests someone just out of water, like a baby fish
Usage: Used when someone is new to something
36. Reel In
Meaning: Bring something or someone in
Example Sentences:
- “He reeled in three new customers.”
- “They reeled in a big win at the game.”
Other ways to say: Attract, bring in
Fun Fact/Origin: From pulling a fish in with a fishing reel
Usage: Describes attracting or getting a result
37. Bottom Feeder
Meaning: Someone who only takes advantage of others
Example Sentences:
- “Scammers are bottom feeders.”
- “He acts like a bottom feeder in business.”
Other ways to say: Low person, unfair taker
Fun Fact/Origin: Bottom-feeding fish eat leftovers from the bottom
Usage: Describes someone with low behavior or ethics
38. Fish to Fry
Meaning: Other or more important things to do
Example Sentences:
- “I’ve got bigger fish to fry than that.”
- “He didn’t worry because he had fish to fry.”
Other ways to say: More to do, other priorities
Fun Fact/Origin: Frying fish was a common task; some were more important
Usage: Used when there are more important concerns
39. Swim Like a Fish
Meaning: Swim very well
Example Sentences:
- “She swims like a fish in the pool.”
- “He’s just 7 but swims like a fish.”
Other ways to say: Excellent swimmer
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish are natural swimmers, so this is high praise
Usage: Compliments someone’s swimming skills
40. Feel Fishy
Meaning: Something seems wrong or strange
Example Sentences:
- “This whole plan feels fishy.”
- “It felt fishy when the rules suddenly changed.”
Other ways to say: Suspicious, odd
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “smells fishy,” hinting at something wrong
Usage: Used when unsure about something
41. In Deep Water
Meaning: In a difficult or risky situation
Example Sentences:
- “He’s in deep water with his grades.”
- “They got in deep water with the law.”
Other ways to say: In trouble, at risk
Fun Fact/Origin: Deep water is harder to manage and more dangerous
Usage: Describes being in a tough spot
42. Gone Fishing
Meaning: Not paying attention or away mentally
Example Sentences:
- “He’s here, but his mind is gone fishing.”
- “Don’t ask her now—she’s gone fishing.”
Other ways to say: Daydreaming, not focused
Fun Fact/Origin: Fishing is a quiet escape, so people use it for being checked out
Usage: Used when someone seems distracted
43. Hooked
Meaning: Very interested or addicted to something
Example Sentences:
- “He got hooked on video games.”
- “She’s hooked on that book series.”
Other ways to say: Addicted, really into
Fun Fact/Origin: From how fish get stuck on a hook
Usage: Describes strong interest or love for something
44. Keep It Reel
Meaning: Stay honest or true
Example Sentences:
- “Just keep it reel, no need to brag.”
- “He’s known for keeping it reel.”
Other ways to say: Be honest, tell the truth
Fun Fact/Origin: Play on “real” and “reel” (as in fishing)
Usage: Used to remind someone to be sincere
45. Plenty More Fish in the Pond
Meaning: Many other chances or people
Example Sentences:
- “Don’t be sad. There are plenty more fish in the pond.”
- “He said there are more fish in the pond after being turned down.”
Other ways to say: More options, more chances
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “plenty of fish in the sea”
Usage: Comforting someone who missed a chance
46. Fish Eyes
Meaning: Wide, blank stare
Example Sentences:
- “He gave the teacher fish eyes when caught.”
- “She stared with fish eyes at the test paper.”
Other ways to say: Blank stare, confused look
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish eyes are big and round, often without emotion
Usage: Used when someone looks shocked or lost
47. Take the Bait
Meaning: Fall for a trick or trap
Example Sentences:
- “She took the bait and answered the fake question.”
- “He took the bait and bought the fake shoes.”
Other ways to say: Fall for it, get tricked
Fun Fact/Origin: From fishing, when a fish bites the bait
Usage: Describes someone falling for a trick
48. Sleep with the Fishes
Meaning: Be dead (used in crime movies)
Example Sentences:
- “In the movie, the villain told him he’d sleep with the fishes.”
- “That character is now sleeping with the fishes.”
Other ways to say: Dead, gone
Fun Fact/Origin: Made famous by mafia movies
Usage: Used in fiction to describe someone who’s been killed
Quiz: Idioms About Fish
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “fish out of water” mean?
A) Feeling at home
B) Feeling out of place
C) Feeling excited
2. What does “drink like a fish” describe?
A) Drink slowly
B) Drink water often
C) Drink a lot of alcohol
3. If someone “smells fishy,” what does that mean?
A) They smell like seafood
B) They are acting funny
C) Something seems suspicious
4. What does “like a fish to water” mean?
A) Struggling to learn
B) Learning slowly
C) Doing something easily
5. What is a “big fish in a small pond”?
A) A small person in a big place
B) An important person in a small group
C) A big animal
6. What does it mean to “fish for compliments”?
A) Say thank you
B) Look for something lost
C) Try to get praise
7. If something is “packed like sardines,” what does it mean?
A) Very clean
B) Very crowded
C) Full of water
8. What is a “fish tale”?
A) A story about fish
B) A long boring story
C) An exaggerated or not true story
9. What does “hook, line, and sinker” mean?
A) To go fishing
B) To believe something completely
C) To stop trying
10. What does “reel in” mean?
A) Watch TV
B) Pull something in
C) Sleep
11. What is meant by “catfish” in online slang?
A) A seafood dish
B) A fake online identity
C) A funny pet
12. What does “plenty of fish in the sea” mean?
A) There are lots of fish
B) There are many other options
C) You should go fishing
13. What does “in deep water” mean?
A) Swimming
B) In trouble or a hard situation
C) On vacation
14. What does it mean to “take the bait”?
A) Eat something
B) Fall for a trick
C) Get angry
15. If someone is a “cold fish,” what are they like?
A) Warm and kind
B) Cold and unfriendly
C) Happy and fun
Answer Key
- B – Feeling out of place
- C – Drink a lot of alcohol
- C – Something seems suspicious
- C – Doing something easily
- B – An important person in a small group
- C – Try to get praise
- B – Very crowded
- C – An exaggerated or not true story
- B – To believe something completely
- B – Pull something in
- B – A fake online identity
- B – There are many other options
- B – In trouble or a hard situation
- B – Fall for a trick
- B – Cold and unfriendly
Wrapping Up
Fish idioms are fun and useful. They help us talk about people, feelings, and situations in a colorful way. Some show how someone feels, like “fish out of water,” and others describe actions, like “reel in” or “fish for compliments.”
These sayings are common in the U.S. and can make your speaking and writing more interesting. Keep practicing them and try using a few in your own conversations. It’s a great way to learn and have fun at the same time.
